Refugee Applicants with Cosigners

[Shannon Vo]

We’re located in Charlotte and I’ve had several requests from refugees in the Ukraine war, some Russian, most from Ukraine. I’m a first time landlord so I’m not sure how to navigate it. One couple still has income coming in from their Russian business and has an American family friend as a co-signer. Would you take them? Do you just have the co-signer also sign a lease? Thanks for the advice!  I want to make sure I navigate this legally and fairly.

[David Ramirez]

If the tenants meet your requirements and have a co-signer who also meets your requirements, then I don't see why not. And yes, I would add the co-signer.  Good luck!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Shannon Vo:

In my business, everyone meets the same criteria or I don't rent to them. My requirement is that they have a social security or Tax ID number so I can run a credit/criminal. If they don't, then they pay a very large, non-refundable fee for the additional risk, and a double deposit. It's very expensive.

[Joseph Beilke]

You can not evict a co-signer, you can only go after them for money, in court after you eviction the tenants, which is more fees and a long process.  No co-signers.

[Shannon Vo]

Thank you for your guidance!